Editor’s note: Last month, Muzi shared how God’s words sustained her during a stint in jail early in her Christian walk. Today, she shares some specific areas in which Chinese churches are struggling, and asks for global believers to come alongside the Chinese church in prayer.

Today, we are rethinking these areas of church service:

1. We are struggling to continue in Sunday worship.

In the face of both increasing pressure, and of the pandemic-induced economic collapse, which has plunged many families into financial trouble, some have neglected to gather together. For some, this is so they can make ends meet, while others face pressure from unbelieving unbelieving husbands who do not like their wives to go to church. We continue to rely on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and we continue to hold on to weekly worship. We have changed the way we gather to be more family-oriented. The Lord has showed us that families are needed in this broken age, and that the Christian family is a light to the world.

2. We are striving to maintain holiness and love as we build the church.

Due to the poor economy, offerings have decreased, and the preacher’s family has had to tighten their belts to continue serving. There are not enough workers to serve the church, but our love feast continues. Through the love of Christ and the words of the Bible, we connect with one another, repent and support each other, and together believe that his grace is sufficient for us.

3. Brothers and sisters in the workplace also face religious persecution.

This is especially true of those in the public sphere (hospitals, schools, and government units). These are required to sign a letter of commitment stating they will not attend a house church. Thankfully, God has helped three doctors in our church and a sister in a school go through a two-month battle of faith, and the church has come to the Father in prayer with one heart. In the end, the Father won the battle for his children.

Christ’s disciples will continue to fight the “already-not-yet” battle of the gospel for the rest of their lives.

4. Our evangelistic mission.

Political forces are inciting the public to become more anti-Christian, and it is increasingly difficult to evangelize those around us. Unbelieving family members, friends, and ordinary people are encouraged to hate America, and Christianity is smeared as a means of American aggression against China. Once I preached the gospel to a woman who grew up in the faith, but she harbored an unreasonable hatred of Christianity. In no uncertain terms, she called me a traitor to my country. May we not be ashamed of the gospel, but boast only in the victory of the cross.

5. The government has stepped up its efforts to rule over children.

Political indoctrination is carried out even in kindergarten. The school-aged children of many believers have been mentally poisoned by atheism and patriotic indoctrination. Although they have followed their families to church since childhood, once they begin school, they doubt God. Because of this, many churches have started church schools. Others have pursued homeschooling, but the government is keeping a close eye on this. In many cases Christian families have been sued by the government and even stripped of custody. Many families and schools must carry out education in hiding, which results in the children not being able to study normally, and in extra stress on the teachers who are serving.

6. Thankfully, the more turbulent the world becomes in the last days, the more people come to church.

Sisters within our church have become a large group of evangelists, walking through their homes with bravery and joy. We are in particular need of brothers. May the Lord save the men of this city, and bring them to him.

Muzi is a pseudonym for a Chinese Christian sister who has been a single mom for many years. At first, her church was established by a group of women who described themselves as “those who go to the battlefield armed with diapers.” They had no pastors, only the Bible and prayer. In God’s timing, their faith was nourished and watered, the church grew, and God graciously provided a shepherd.

FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION

Pray for Chinese Christians to continue in weekly worship, evangelism, and discipleship of those in the workplace and of children and families.